In the heart of more advanced digital signage systems is the quite unknown and forgotten
edge, or media server. This device is a key element when building digital signage
systems with fast response when using customer terminals. It is also a way of keeping
traffic load on the content management server system at an acceptable level in applications
where several screens or customer terminals make use of the same content. This chapter
also gives an introduction into the local area network (LAN) that is needed in any
store to supply the media players with content. In addition, the edge server, which
will probably be the key element in future home digital signage systems, is described
in more detail in chapter 12.